KIPP Foundation

KIPP Foundation

KIPP, the Knowledge Is Power Program, is a national, non-profit network of 200 college-preparatory, public charter schools educating early childhood, elementary, middle, and high school students.

KIPP Schools

There are currently 200 KIPP schools in 20 states and the District of Columbia educating nearly 80,000 students on their path to and through college, careers, and life. We believe that great teachers and school leaders, a supportive learning environment, and an emphasis on both academics and character are the foundation for student success, and we strive to provide these for every child. KIPP schools are tuition-free, public charter schools open to all students. When parent demand exceeds enrollment capacity at a KIPP school, students are admitted based upon on a lottery.

Every KIPP school is approved to operate by a charter school authorizer—typically a district school board, university, or state department of education—that makes sure the school is living up to the commitments in its charter and complies with relevant federal, state, and local requirements. KIPP schools are primarily funded through public federal, state, and local dollars, along with supplemental funding through charitable donations from foundations and individuals.

KIPP Regions

Each KIPP regional organization is a separate nonprofit that oversees its local KIPP schools and provides schools with shared services in areas such as alumni support, teacher training, leadership development, community outreach, operations, and data analysis. KIPP regional organizations are governed by a local board of directors, led by an executive director or superintendent, and often partner with neighboring schools and community-based organizations.

KIPP Foundation

KIPP schools are part of a national network of schools that operate with support from the KIPP Foundation. The nonprofit KIPP Foundation trains and develops outstanding educators to lead KIPP schools; provides tools, resources and training for excellent teaching and learning; promotes innovation; and facilitates the exchange of insights and ideas both within the KIPP network and with partners including other public schools, non-profit organizations, and institutions of higher learning.

What We Believe

Since our founding, it has been our core belief that all students, regardless of their zip code or demographics, will learn and achieve. KIPP schools, KIPP regions, and the KIPP Foundation are united by a common mission, a commitment to excellence, and a belief in helping children develop the academic and character strengths they need to succeed in college, lead choice-filled lives, and build a better tomorrow for themselves, for their communities, for us all.

Our Approach

At KIPP, teachers, students, and families are all united around the same goal: college and a choice-filled life. We believe that an excellent college-preparatory education will set students up for success in whatever life path they choose. Through collective hard work and commitment, KIPP students complete college at a rate that is above the national average for all students and four times higher than that of students from similar economic backgrounds. Our success is driven by:

High Expectations: We set clearly defined and measurable high expectations for academic achievement and conduct in order to create and reinforce a culture of achievement and support. We know that every student is different and we personalize learning based on a student’s needs, skills, and interests.

Strength of Character: Success in life depends on both academics and character. We help students foster character strengths that are essential for their own success and well-being. And we empower them to express their voice with power and to improve the world around them.

Highly Effective Teachers and Leaders: Great schools require great teachers and school leaders. We empower our educators to lead school teams, and we invest in training to help them grow as professionals.

Safe, Structured, and Nurturing Environments: Students need physical and emotional safety in order to take risks and learn from their successes and their mistakes. Our schools provide a safe, structured, and nurturing environment with minimal distractions and more time for both academics and extracurriculars, so our students love school and maximize their learning.

KIPP Through College: Our counselors and advisors support students as they prepare for and select the right college and career for their needs and interests. After high school, we help KIPP alumni navigate the social, academic, and financial challenges they might encounter while in college.

As we look to the future, we have never been more optimistic. We recognize there is more work to be done, but our progress to date has clearly demonstrated what is possible. Today we stand in partnership with other organizations committed to educational excellence and equity— working together so that all children have the opportunity to lead choice-filled lives.

Join the Team – Apply Today

Every day, a tireless group of educators in KIPP ENC schools is leading the charge to ensure that students’ zip codes do not dictate the educational opportunities available to them.